What do Man Utd need to guarantee qualification to the Europa League last 16?
What do Man Utd need to guarantee qualification to the Europa League last 16?
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MANCHESTER UNITED are on the brink of finalising their place in the next stage of the Europa League. United secured a late 2-1 win over Rangers last week and currently sit fourth on 15 points in the league phase of the competition. The win against Rangers was significant as it ensured the Old Trafford club gained breathing space between them ninth-placed Galatasaray.
![[Bruno Fernandes of Manchester United celebrating a goal.]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/bruno-fernandes-manchester-united-celebrates-966113475.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
Although not enough to confirm straight qualification, their trip to Romanian giants FCSB on Thursday puts fate in Ruben Amorim's side's hands. FCSB are also inside the top eight with a host of teams vying for a one of the eight seeded spots, including sixth-place Tottenham and the aforementioned Rangers in 13th.
Simply put, a win would see the Red Devils progress into the last 16 as one of the four best sides. United are already guaranteed at least a place in the play-offs with their current point tally. But victory would allow them the chance to finish second, third or fourth - as long as results in either Roma's clash with Frankfurt and Athletic Club vs Viktoria Plzen go their way.
Despite being one of the three unbeaten sides in the competition, the Reds can't catch table toppers Lazio. According to Opta's supercomputer - which simulates the 2024-25 Europa League phase 50,000 times to work out team's Europa League knockout likelihood - United have an 89.8 per cent chance of a top-eight finish.
